SB 863 Tennessee Senate · 114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Tennessee Fish & Wildlife Commission - As enacted, directs the commission to promulgate rules to create and issue guide licenses for persons who work as guides at Reelfoot Lake. - Amends TCA Title 11, Chapter 14, Part 1 and Title 70.

SB 863 requires the Tennessee Fish & Wildlife Commission to create and issue specific waterfowl guide licenses for guides working at Reelfoot Lake in Lake and Obion Counties. The bill directs the Commission to develop rules ensuring guides demonstrate knowledge of Reelfoot Lake's unique features and hazards. This affects professional waterfowl guides operating at Reelfoot Lake, which is Tennessee's largest natural lake and a nationally recognized wildlife area. The policy change establishes a new licensing requirement focused on local expertise for safety and resource protection.
Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Mar 2025
Senate Passage
Apr 2025
House Passage
Apr 2025
Signed into Law
May 2025
Introduced Feb 10, 2025 Signed May 9, 2025
Floor votes · Senate Mar 24, 2025 · House Apr 21, 2025

How they voted

370
Passed
Total votes 37
Mar 24, 2025
D Democratic6
6 Yea
100% Yea
R Republican31
31 Yea
100% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
18
Key actions
7
Committee
3
May 9, 2025
Signed into law
Signed by Governor.
lower
Apr 30, 2025
Lower · Passed
Signed by H. Speaker
lower
Apr 29, 2025
Upper · Passed
Signed by Senate Speaker
upper
Apr 21, 2025
Lower · Passed
Passed H., Ayes 94, Nays 0, PNV 0
lower
Mar 24, 2025
Upper · Passed
Passed Senate, Ayes 32, Nays 0
upper
Mar 19, 2025
Lower · Passed
Recommended for passage, refer to Senate Calendar Committee
lower
Mar 13, 2025
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate Energy, Ag., and Nat. Resources Committee calendar for 3/19/2025
lower
Feb 12, 2025
Committee
Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Energy, Ag., and Nat. Resources Committee
upper
Feb 10, 2025
Introduced
Introduced, Passed on First Consideration
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of John Stevens
John Stevens
RRepublican
TN
24